BEIJING / SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT CONFERENCE

STORY: BEIJING / SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT CONFERENCE
TRT: 3:04
SOURCE: UNIFEED
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 14 OCTOBER 2021, NEW YORK CITY

SHOTLIST:

RECENT – NEW YORK CITY

1. Close up, UN flag outside headquarters

14 OCTOBER 2021, NEW YORK CITY

2. Multiple screens, second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference
3. SOUNDBITE (English) António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations:
“We are further from realizing the Sustainable Development Goals on climate, ocean, and biodiversity than we were when they were agreed six years ago. We are already close to the 1.5 degrees Celsius upper limit agreed in Paris. The door is closing for action on climate, nature and pollution. We must act together, smartly, and quickly, to make the next nine years count. Transport, which accounts for more than one quarter of global greenhouse gases, is key to getting on track. We must decarbonize all means of transport, in order to get to net-zero emissions by 2050 globally.”
4. Med shot, Guterres participating virtually in Global Sustainable Transport Conference
5. SOUNDBITE (English) António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations:
“The priorities are clear: Phase out the production of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 for leading manufacturing countries, and by 2040 for developing countries. Zero emission ships must be the default choice, and commercially available for all by 2030, in order to achieve zero emissions in the shipping sector by 2050. Companies must start using sustainable aviation fuels now, in order to cut carbon emissions per passenger by 65 per cent by 2050.”
6. Med shot, Guterres participating virtually in Global Sustainable Transport Conference
7. SOUNDBITE (English) António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations:
“Investments in the recovery from COVID-19 must target sustainable transport, generating decent jobs and opportunities for isolated communities. Public transport should be the foundation for urban mobility. Per dollar invested, it creates three times more jobs than building new highways. Decarbonization must go hand in hand with a just and inclusive transition to reduce inequalities and supports the poorest communities. Much existing infrastructure, from ports to public transit, is vulnerable to extreme climate events which are happening with greater frequency and severity.”
8. Med shot, Guterres participating virtually in Global Sustainable Transport Conference
9. SOUNDBITE (English) António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations:
“The next nine years must see a global shift towards renewable energy. Sustainable transport is central to that transformation. There is still a long way to go, but I am encouraged by some of the commitments made by governments, local authorities and the private sector, in the context of this Conference and in the lead-up to COP26. I look forward to seeing them implemented. This Conference is an important opportunity to galvanize action by all, to build the sustainable transport systems we need for a green, inclusive and equitable future.”
10. Med shot, Guterres participating virtually in Global Sustainable Transport Conference

STORYLINE:

In his address to the second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the “door is closing for action on climate, nature and pollution,” and stressed the need to “decarbonize all means of transport, in order to get to net-zero emissions by 2050 globally.”

Guterres addressed opening of the hybrid event which was launched today (14 Oct) in Beijing via teleconference from New York. He said since the first Global Sustainable Transport Conference held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, the critical role of transport in growth, sustainable development and securing the health of the planet has only become clearer, particularly in the last 18 months.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that transport is far more than a means of getting people and goods from one place to another, rather it is is fundamental to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement – which were badly off-track even before the pandemic hit.

Guterres said, “We are further from realizing the Sustainable Development Goals on climate, ocean, and biodiversity than we were when they were agreed six years ago. We are already close to the 1.5 degrees Celsius upper limit agreed in Paris. The door is closing for action on climate, nature and pollution. We must act together, smartly, and quickly, to make the next nine years count.
Transport, which accounts for more than one quarter of global greenhouse gases, is key to getting on track. We must decarbonize all means of transport, in order to get to net-zero emissions by 2050 globally.”

The Secretary-General stressed the need to accelerate the decarbonization of the entire transport sector. He said current commitments by countries are not aligned with the 1.5-degree goal of the Paris Agreement and are in fact more consistent with warming way above three degrees. He said adopting a new set of more ambitious and credible targets that are truly consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement must be an urgent priority in the months and years ahead.

He said, “The priorities are clear: Phase out the production of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 for leading manufacturing countries, and by 2040 for developing countries. Zero emission ships must be the default choice, and commercially available for all by 2030, in order to achieve zero emissions in the shipping sector by 2050. Companies must start using sustainable aviation fuels now, in order to cut carbon emissions per passenger by 65 per cent by 2050.”

Guterres said all stakeholders have a role to play, from individuals changing their travel habits, to businesses transforming their carbon footprint. He added that governments must incentivize clean transport options, including through standards and taxation, and impose stricter regulation of infrastructure and procurement.

The Secretary-General also stressed the need to close access and safety gaps and to build resilience into transport systems.

He added, ““Investments in the recovery from COVID-19 must target sustainable transport, generating decent jobs and opportunities for isolated communities. Public transport should be the foundation for urban mobility. Per dollar invested, it creates three times more jobs than building new highways. Decarbonization must go hand in hand with a just and inclusive transition to reduce inequalities and supports the poorest communities. Much existing infrastructure, from ports to public transit, is vulnerable to extreme climate events which are happening with greater frequency and severity.”

The UN chief said increased finance for climate adaptation is essential for investment in sustainable, resilient transport systems, especially in developing countries. He reiterated him call for half of all climate finance, in support of developing countries, to be allocated to adaptation.

The Secretary-General also highlight to need to work together more coherently and for effective partnerships, including with the private sector, that help to share knowledge, bridge silos, and direct finance and technological capacity towards common goals.

He said, “The next nine years must see a global shift towards renewable energy. Sustainable transport is central to that transformation. There is still a long way to go, but I am encouraged by some of the commitments made by governments, local authorities and the private sector, in the context of this Conference and in the lead-up to COP26. I look forward to seeing them implemented. This Conference is an important opportunity to galvanize action by all, to build the sustainable transport systems we need for a green, inclusive and equitable future.”